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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Keystone</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/k/keystone.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ephesians/2-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/k/keystone.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Keystone</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/k/keys.htm" title="Keys">◄</a> Keystone <a href="/topical/k/kezia.htm" title="Kezia">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In architectural terms, a keystone is the central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole arch together. This concept, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be metaphorically related to several biblical themes and passages, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone or capstone of the Church.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Symbolism</b><br><br>1. <b>Cornerstone and Capstone Imagery</b>: The imagery of a cornerstone is prevalent in the Bible and is closely related to the concept of a keystone. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the principal stone, often placed at the corner of a building to guide the builders. Similarly, the keystone is crucial in holding an arch together. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone, emphasizing His foundational role in the Church. <br><br>· <b><a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a></i> : "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."<br>· <b><a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a></i> : "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone."<br><br>2. <b>Christ as the Keystone</b>: While the term "keystone" is not used, the function it serves can be seen in the role of Christ in the Church. Just as a keystone holds an arch together, Christ holds the Church together, providing unity and strength. This is reflected in the New Testament's depiction of Christ as the head of the Church.<br><br>· <b><a href="/colossians/1-17.htm">Colossians 1:17-18</a></i> : "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence."<br><br>3. <b>Unity and Stability</b>: The keystone's role in maintaining the integrity of an arch can be likened to the unity and stability that Christ provides to believers. The Church, described as a spiritual house, relies on Christ as the keystone for its coherence and strength.<br><br>· <b><a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4-5</a></i> : "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."<br><br>4. <b>Rejection and Acceptance</b>: The metaphor of the keystone also aligns with the theme of rejection and acceptance found in Scripture. Just as a keystone might be overlooked until its necessity is realized, Christ was rejected by many but is essential for salvation and the unity of the Church.<br><br>· <b><a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a></i> : "This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’"<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The keystone metaphor underscores the indispensability of Christ in the life of the believer and the Church. It highlights the necessity of Christ for spiritual stability and unity, reflecting the belief that without Him, the structure of faith would collapse. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of Christ in Christian doctrine and the life of the Church, emphasizing His role as the one who holds all things together.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) The central or topmost stone of an arch. This in some styles is made different in size from the other voussoirs, or projects, or is decorated with carving.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/bounds/the_necessity_of_prayer/i_prayer_and_faith.htm"><span class="l">Prayer and Faith</span></a> <br><b>...</b> At this point in our study, we turn to a saying of our Lord, which there is need<br> to emphasize, since it is the very <b>keystone</b> of the arch of faith and prayer. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edwards/the_expositors_bible_the_epistle_to_the_hebrews/chapter_viii_the_new_covenant.htm"><span class="l">The New Covenant.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He has brought forth the headstone of the corner, the <b>keystone</b> of the<br> arch.[142] It is, in short, that we have such a High-priest. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_st_john_chaps_xv_to_xxi/thomas_and_jesus.htm"><span class="l">Thomas and Jesus</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The <b>keystone</b> was struck out of the arch, and this brick tumbled away of itself.<br> The hub was taken out of the wheel, and the spokes fell apart. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/thomas and jesus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_i/as_i_have_loved.htm"><span class="l">'As I have Loved'</span></a> <br><b>...</b> command. The disciples had held together because He was in their midst.<br> Will the arch stand when the <b>keystone</b> is struck out? Will <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/as i have loved.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_i/the_glory_of_the_cross.htm"><span class="l">The Glory of the Cross</span></a> <br><b>...</b> That hour was 'the power of darkness,' the very <b>keystone</b> of the black arch of man's<br> sin, and some shadow of it fell upon the soul of Christ Himself. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the glory of the cross.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_about_jesus/4_some_surprising_results_of.htm"><span class="l">Some Surprising Results of the Break.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Surprising Jew: greatest surprise"for all"the puzzle of history"divinely<br> preserved"the <b>keystone</b> of the coming kingdom"Jesus the spirit magnet for <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/4 some surprising results of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_about_jesus/the_surprising_jew.htm"><span class="l">The Surprising Jew.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> For he is the <b>keystone</b> in the arch of the King's plan for a coming world-wide dominion.<br> Jesus is God's spirit-magnet for the Jew and for all men. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the surprising jew.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_xvi_on_the_resurrection.htm"><span class="l">On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If such exists, the <b>keystone</b> is given to the arch; the miraculous Birth becomes<br> almost a necessary postulate, and Jesus is the Christ in the full sense of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_8_1863/the_old_old_story.htm"><span class="l">The Old, Old Story</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now that grand doctrine which we take to be the <b>keystone</b> of the evangelical system,<br> they very corner-stone of the gospel, that grand doctrine of the atonement <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the old old story.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wishard/concerning_the_assumptions_of_destructive_criticism/viii_the_historicity_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Historicity of the Book of Jonah.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> death was such a miracle as convinced the Ninevites that he had a message from God<br> for them, so Christ's resurrection was to become the <b>keystone</b> of the arch on <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../viii the historicity of the.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/k/keystone.htm"><span class="l"><b>Keystone</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Keystone</b> (3 Occurrences). Ephesians 2:20 Resting on the base of the Apostles and<br> prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief <b>keystone</b>, (BBE). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/keystone.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/key.htm"><span class="l">Key (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> to position. 6. (n.) A piece of wood used as a wedge. 7. (n.) The last<br> board of a floor when laid down. 8. (n.) A <b>keystone</b>. 9. (n <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/key.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kezia.htm"><span class="l">Kezia (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kezia.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/elder.htm"><span class="l">Elder (34 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 11:16, 17). The "elder" is the <b>keystone</b> of the social and political fabric<br> wherever the patriarchal system exists. At the present <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/elder.htm - 27k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/resting.htm"><span class="l">Resting (117 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you. (WEY). Ephesians 2:20 Resting on the base of the Apostles and prophets,<br> Christ Jesus himself being the chief <b>keystone</b>, (BBE). 1 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/resting.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/special.htm"><span class="l">Special (89 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Peter 2:6 Because it is said in the Writings, See, I am placing a <b>keystone</b> in<br> Zion, of great and special value; and the man who has faith in him will not be <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/special.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/value.htm"><span class="l">Value (138 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Peter 2:6 Because it is said in the Writings, See, I am placing a <b>keystone</b> in<br> Zion, of great and special value; and the man who has faith in him will not be <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/value.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/base.htm"><span class="l">Base (127 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> WBS). Ephesians 2:20 Resting on the base of the Apostles and prophets, Christ<br> Jesus himself being the chief <b>keystone</b>, (BBE). 1 Timothy <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/base.htm - 45k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/keys.htm"><span class="l">Keys (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/keys.htm - 32k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/keystone.htm">Keystone: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Keystone (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a></span><br />Resting on the base of the Apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief <span class="boldtext">keystone</span>,<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">1 Peter 2:6</a></span><br />Because it is said in the Writings, See, I am placing a <span class="boldtext">keystone</span> in Zion, of great and special value; and the man who has faith in him will not be put to shame.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/zechariah/10-4.htm">Zechariah 10:4</a></span><br />From him will come the <span class="boldtext">keystone</span>, from him the nail, from him the bow of war, from him will come every ruler;<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/k/keystone.htm">Keystone</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/keziah.htm">Keziah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kerenhappuch.htm">Kerenhappuch (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/keystone.htm">Keystone (3 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/k/keys.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Keys"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Keys" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/k/kezia.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Kezia"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Kezia" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>